Home improvement in the form of home decorating can be a very exciting process when you are equipped with the knowledge of how to find a skilled expert local painter and decorator and how to ensure the best possible finish. The most important aspect of any decorating job, whether internal decoration or external painting; is the preparation.
For external house painting, safety is a key aspect. It is essential to use the correct access equipment and to avoid over stretching. It is likely that extendable ladders will be required to complete the redecoration of the highest areas of your house or property. Time spent on preparation is essential; all surfaces require fully sanding.
For wooden surfaces; any flaking paint should be scraped away and rotten timber must be removed. Once this has been completed it should then be treated with a wood hardener and filled with a two-part wood filler. A professional will treat any knots with knotting solution. Any bare timber should then have a primer applied, followed by an undercoat and finally gloss. A reputable tradesman will use the best possible materials within a clients’ budget as they will look better and are likely to last longer.
For external wall coverings, repairing any missing cement, mortar or masonry is key. Multiple coats of masonry paint should then be applied to ensure an even and better-quality finish.
It is likely that Companies completing your external re-decoration will only offer this service between Spring and Autumn to avoid lower temperatures. They will be looking to check the weather forecast prior to starting any external painting to avoid rain and will want to avoid working in direct sunlight where possible.
For internal decoration the preparation will vary between ceilings, walls and woodwork. Ceilings will need to be patched and filled where necessary with emulsion applied once they have been sanded and prepared. Walls will need to be filled and sanded; unscrewing all sockets and switches from the walls. Coloured emulsion paint can then be applied. The likelihood is that the walls in older properties may require lining. This can be completed prior to painting or wall papering.
With regards to woodwork; timber will need to be filled, treated with knotting solution and primed. Woodwork and radiators will then require multiple coats of paint, such as satinwood or gloss, depending on the finish you are looking for.
General advice for ensuring a professional finish when decorating your home will be to fully sheet up prior to work commencing. This will make certain that your furnishings, personal possessions and flooring will remain paint free.
It is often assumed that home decorating is simple enough to take on yourself when looking at budgeting or cutting costs when improving your home. The fact is that a professional will have the benefit of experience with different surfaces, finishes and approaches. They are likely to complete the work quicker and will provide a superior and exemplary finish that is likely to last much longer. Make sure to employ a painter that can show evidence of public liability cover.
There are governing bodies which offer acknowledgement of those top-quality painting and decorating companies. An example of this is the Painting and Decorating Association; they offer membership to decorators with experience, positive client references and are rigorous in their vetting of who they allow to be accredited with their logo.
Employing a time-served, local and skilled painter and decorator will ensure a professional finish, matching your expectations and making certain the work completed will last. Your house will be turned into a home to be proud of!
